Leedsvs.West Brom

Meanwhile, the fifth-placed Baggies will be targeting back-to-back victories after getting the better of Oxford United in their most recent outing.

Match preview

Leeds are in a strong position to win promotion to the Premier League after beating two of their direct rivals in their last two matches.

Pascal Struijk netted a late brace to guide Leeds to a 2-1 home win over fourth-placed Sunderland, before they produced more late drama to clinch all three points in Monday's clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Junior Firpo cancelled out Ilan Meslier's own goal against the Blades, before Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe found the net in the 89th and 90th minute respectively to seal a fifth consecutive victory, extending Leeds' unbeaten run to 16 Championship matches (W12, D4).

The successful away performance also tightened Leeds' grip on pole position, with Daniel Farke's side now sitting five points clear of Sheffield United in second and seven points clear of Burney in third place.

They will fancy their chances of adding three more points to their tally on Saturday, having won 13 of their previous 14 home league matches (D1), including each of their last four Championship outings at Elland Road.

Leeds have been in fine goalscoring form at Elland Road this season, netting 44 goals across their 17 Championship home matches while only conceding on eight occasions.

West Brom are currently in the battle to secure a top-six spot, with the Baggies sitting in fifth spot after winning 12, drawing 15 and losing seven of their 34 league games this season.

Tony Mowbray's side boosted their playoff hopes with a 2-0 home victory over Oxford United last weekend, which came courtesy of goals from Alex Mowatt and Jon Swift.

The result represented their sixth win in eight Championship home matches, leaving them ahead of sixth-placed Blackburn Rovers on goal difference and one point clear of Coventry City in seventh position.

While they have fared well in recent home games, the Baggies have struggled to enjoy similar success on their travels, having failed to win any of their previous nine away league matches (D5, L4) since they beat Hull City 2-1 in November.

They have failed to score more than one goal in any of those nine Championship away games, suggesting they may have their work cut out to trouble a Leeds side that boasts the second-best defensive record in the division.

The Baggies will be aware of the tough test that awaits them on Saturday, but may take some confidence from the fact they have avoided defeat in each of their previous three meetings with Leeds, including a goalless draw in August's reverse fixture.

Leeds United Championship form:

D

W

W

W

W

W

Leeds United form (all competitions):

W

W

L

W

W

W

West Bromwich Albion Championship form:

W

L

W

L

D

W

Team News

Leeds are expected to be without the services of defender Max Wober (knee) and forward Patrick Bamford due to knee injuries respectively.

Captain Ethan Ampadu is unlikely to be involved after he sat out Monday's 3-1 win over Sheffield United with a knee problem.

Piroe will continue to lead the line for the Championship leaders, with the striker looking to add to the 15 league goals he has scored this season.

As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon attacker Jed Wallace and forward Josh Maja, who are dealing with calf and leg injuries respectively.

Defender Semi Ajayi is a major doubt after he was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury in the first half against Oxford.

Former Leeds man Kyle Bartley could replace Ajayi in central defence, having completed a three-match suspension for the straight red card he received against Sheffield Wednesday on February 8.

Leeds United possible starting lineup:

Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Gruev, Tanaka; James, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:

Wildsmith; Furlong, Bartley, Heggem, Styles; Mowatt, Molumby; Fellows, Price, Johnston; Armstrong

We say: Leeds United 3-1 West Bromwich Albion

Written by

Ben Sully

Previews by email